Frequently Asked Questions

Before

  • La Petite Photo does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

  • Absolutely, all in person meetings are in Long Beach, or we can always hop on the phone. Schedule a phone call now: Call Me.

  • Only one way to know for sure: reach out! The quickest way to confirm availability is by contacting me directly.

    I rarely photograph two weddings per week-end, I love to focus my energy and time on my clients and feel like I do my best work when I’m only photographying one wedding per week-end. Hence me accepting to photograph only 25 weddings per year!

  • Most couples hire La Petite Photo about 8 month in advance. And while "last minute" bookings are more rare due to availability, try me - you might get lucky! Serendipity!

  • My packages range from $1,500 to $9,000+. However, I’m always happy to design a special quote depending on your needs. I also offer second photographers, extra hours of service, engagement session, heirloom album, guest books, canvas, and much more. Be sure to visit my investment page. It has everything you need to know to get started with La Petite Photo.

  • To book your date, 1/3 retainer is due at time of booking. You’ll have options to have two or more installment until your wedding day. Most couples choose a payment halfway and a last payment a month before their wedding day.

  • Adventure is my middle name. I am an experienced traveler and love to capture weddings all around the globe. I have a soft spot for tropical locations and all those beachy jungles near the equator, but I’m also a sucker for mountain backdrops, deserts and foresty ambiances (looking at you Joshua Tree and Idyllwild).

    I’ve traveled solo for 6 month in South East Asia and now that I have a family, we often spend a month abroad each year.

    For out of town services, fees may apply. No extra fee for Los Angeles and Orange County.

    For further away and destination wedding, you can choose to take care of my transport and accommodation or I can send you a quote.

  • Of course! I’m very proud of my work and would be happy to send you a link to see a full gallery. You can also have a look at some of my blog posts to get a better sense of my style.

  • If you are curious about what my past clients have to say, you can read a few of their impressions and stories in my Testimonial page or you can go on my Yelp Page, Google Page, The Knot or Wedding Wire…

    Peerspace is also talking about me and rated me one of the top 10 best wedding photographers of Long Beach!

  • Not a problem! I offer a Non Disclosure Agreement option to ensure your photos are not shared on my social media. Please contact me if you’d like to chat about it.

Working together!

  • I’m all about self acceptance and I truly see beauty in all shapes, shade and age. What I do best is capturing your beauty how I see it and the raw emotional moment unfolding...

    I will always do my best to get flattering poses or highlight your favorite parts of yourself but capturing candids at a wedding mean I cannot pose you at all time and you will get photos of you in ways you’ve never seen yourself before. Your kind words mean a lot to me, and it's wonderful to hear that my work is often described as "magic." To make sure I capture your favorite side or aspects of your wedding, please feel free to communicate your preferences with me in advance. Your input is invaluable in creating the perfect memories for your special day.

  • Life happens… Your retainer is unfortunately non refundable but will go toward photo sessions or a new date if I’m available.

    Any installments after the retainer will be returned to you graciously.

  • Absolutely! While we cannot remove anything from a package after the proposal has been signed, we can add hours, album, second photographer, or other services until your wedding day.

  • Some of my packages include a complimentary engagement session.

    You are welcome to add an engagement session if you chose an a-la-carte option.

    My engagement sessions come with a complimentary micro styling session with a stylist.

  • Some of my packages include a complimentary after the day session.

    You are welcome to add an after-the-day session if you chose an a-la-carte option.

    An after-the-day session can be schedule within a year of the wedding day in a breathtaking location or in a studio. This is not a vow renewal session with guests, only romantic portraits with you and your spouse.

  • Me! And my second shooter if you decided on adding one.

    I’ve never missed a wedding. Ever. But if one day I have to, I have a group of lovely photographer friends that I could ask to take my place for the day. I will be the one editing your photos and relaying information to the photographer. Once again, this has NEVER EVER happened in the past!

  • You are free to send me any Pinterest board you like for inspiration but we will not reproduce photos. You are unique and what works for a couple one day, might not work for you. Let’s create together!

    I have my own shot list at weddings and will ask you in a questionnaire to fill before the wedding day, if you have any specific must-do photos.

  • I work with two bodies camera. So yes I do! I also have a wide ranges of lenses to capture your portraits ver y close on the dance floor and very far away during your ceremony.

  • Absolutely! I can also help you select the best location. I have shot all around LA and OC and I have a nice little lists with my favorite locations.

    I’m always up for creating in new places so let me know if you have your heart set on a place.

    Be mindful that some locations require permits.

  • I have a clear umbrella for bad weather, and rainy boots from London. I’m here for you no matter what!

    Hot weather? You might see me sweat a little but we live in California, what can we expect!

After

  • I’ll provide you with a secure, high quality, photo portal where you'll be able to download the hi resolution photos, share the link to your friends and family and buy physical prints or products directly. Having everything in one place, makes it all super easy!

  • It usually takes between 4 and 8 weeks for me to edit your gallery. I pay extra attention to details and make sure each photo is edited properly. If you’re in a hurry, I have “Fast Delivery” options available for an additional fee.

  • Expect between around 75 photos per hour if I’m shooting at your big day. To be honest, if you want me to focus on your guests, if you choose to have a second photographer, if there is travel between locations, if your wedding is in December or July… Everything makes a big difference in the amount of photos you’ll receive. I only select the best photos and try to avoid repetitive shots. If you would like a very selected amount of photos, simply let me know

    For other sessions the number of photos will be provided according to your package details.

  • I truly believe you should find the right photographer for you and editing style is a big part of it! If you are into extremely dramatic dark and moody photos or bright, pastel and airy ones, we might not be the right fit. I love these styles but I am staying true to my “colors” and style and what I feel works best for your photos. Please have a look at my portfolio page, instagram or ask me to see a wedding gallery.

  • Professional photography is an art form that involves a unique blend of skills, equipment, and post-processing techniques. Our images are carefully crafted to capture the essence and beauty of your special moments.

    While smartphone photos can serve well for everyday snapshots, they often differ in terms of color contrast and vibrancy compared to our professional work. iPhones typically utilize High Dynamic Range (HDR) techniques to capture a wide range of tones, which can sometimes lead to less pronounced color contrast and vibrancy. In contrast, our professional equipment and meticulous editing are tailored to enhance these aspects, resulting in images that showcase vibrant colors, rich contrast, and an exceptional level of attention to detail.

    Our goal is to create timeless and exquisite images that stand the test of time. This means that sometimes, the sky may appear a little paler or the ocean a bit washed out in our photographs, but rest assured that these choices are made with the utmost care to create a distinctive and stunning visual narrative of your wedding or engagement. We take pride in our work and believe that our professional touch adds a unique charm to your memories.

  • I will give you all the best photos of your wedding, hand selected and professionally edited to capture the most meaningful moments and heartfelt emotions in a way that will inspire joy and happiness for a lifetime. It’s very rare for clients to request RAW photos, and if that’s something you want, then I may not be the best fit.

  • I do not transform bodies in photoshop but I’ve been asked to help past clients to photoshop temporary facial paralysis, tuck a little double chin here and there (yes we all have one!).

    I try to zap a zit or temporary scars (why do kids get hurts right before a family session?).

    I try to remove people and cars if possible in the background for certain shots. Whenever I can, I will remove pieces of trash to make the scene cleaner or to help focusing on the main action. I do my best to remove poles and electric lines too.

    All these are little details that I try to be mindful about when editing but I cannot guarantee to suppress everything or do these extra steps for each projects.

  • Yes yes yes!

    The platform that hosts your photos has a wide range of options for printing your photos, creating albums, printing canvases, ornaments, framed prints and so much more. It is very user friendly (I tested it on my mother-in-law, she thought it was very intuitive).

  • The photos are like works of art, and I'm the artist behind them, which means I own the copyright.

    However, I give my clients the print release, you have the right to use them as you wish for personal use, like sharing with friends and family or printing them. I only work with the best photo labs and album makers but you are welcome to use the lab of your choice to print your photos, canvases and albums. However, if you choose to do so, I cannot guaranty of the quality of the final product.

  • No, I do not sell my photos to magazine or stock photos. Sometimes, a wedding get published but it’s only for fun and fame, not money!

  • Please do! And don’t forget to mention all your lovely vendor teams! My instagram handle is @lapetitephoto.la

What do I wear for the engagement session?

This is a questions that comes up a lot, but I’ve got you covered. La Petite Photo provides a complementary call with Michelle Yin - Stylist and Personal Shopper. She’ll chat with you, over the phone or by text, to finalize your outfits, give advice on accessories, and personalize your look to match with your style.

I’ll also send you a complete style guide once we are locked in for a date and we chose a location for your engagement session. Inside you'll find tips to get ready, and helpful ways to find the perfect outfit. It’s the perfect compliment to the personalized styling you’ll get from Michelle.

 

Interested in an album?

I make it easy for you to get an album that checks all the boxes! Watch this video where I showcases different sizes and types of my favorite albums and books.
Once you receive your gallery, you can create your own album or ask me to design it for you.

 

Looking for Rad Vendors?

I love working with other creatives and always try to work as a team with your videographer, planner, coordinator, florists, venue manager, caterer, waiters, make up artist… It takes a village to create the wedding of your dreams. I’m on board!
Check it out here. The list is non exhaustive of course!

 

But my ever favorite vendor to work with is my husband’s company, GOOD MOOD. The best DJs I’ve worked with! I’ll probably end up on the dance floor with you and your guests after my time is up!